Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), located at the Northern section of the Philippines, is the only landlocked region in the country It is composed of the provinces Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mt. Province. The region is known for its breathtaking sceneries—rugged terrains and magnificent rice terraces—and for its vibrant culture of Indigenous people, commonly referred to as “Igorots.”
One of the best things to do in CAR is to explore its wide array of tourist attractions. One place not to miss is the stunning Banaue Rice Terraces. It is estimated to be 2000 years old and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a must-see because it is one the most extensive and interwoven complex of rice terraces in the world. Another tourist spot is the Kapeng Barako Village in Mt. Province, an expansive coffee plantation that offers unique activities, such as picking and grinding the coffee beans and roasting them in a Javanese-style.
Another must-do while in the region is to visit the interesting museums and heritage sites. One of these is the Ifugao Museum in Lagawe, Ifugao, which displays traditional and contemporary artifacts of the Ifugao people. It also offers an authentic Ifugao experience by putting on traditional costumes. In Kalinga, one can visit the Tabuk City Museum and Historical Landmark, which houses artifacts from the Spanish and American periods.
Additionally, food tripping is another great activity to do in the region. Gourmands would love the traditional dishes of the region. One must-try is the Pinikpikan, an Ifugao dish made from chicken and some locally available ingredients like ginger, shallots, and chili. In Benguet, the vegetable dishes—particularly the Benguet strawberries—are a delight for the tastebuds.
Outdoor activities abound in the region, too. Explorers can hike the trails of Mt. Pulag, the third-highest mountain in the country. It is known for its beautiful fields of mossy grass and golden meadows. Nature lovers can also go river trekking and whitewater tubing in the Chico River, with its crystal-clear waters and bed of pebbles.
Finally, one can enjoy the local culture and music. A great place to do this is the Kankana-ey hilot-healing center, which offers cultural shows and festivals featuring traditional hilot—a form of healing using herbs and massage—and dance performances. The Igorot is also well-known for their unique musical instruments.
These are just some of the amazing activities to do in the Cordillera Administrative Region. From breathtaking sceneries to diverse culture, it is a must-visit destination.